Bong Joon Ho, the renowned Korean filmmaker and three-time Oscar winner, is the special guest on the latest episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. The episode was recorded in two parts – the first part in front of an audience at the 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival, just days before Bong’s groundbreaking film Parasite made history by winning the best picture Oscar, becoming the first non-English-language film to do so. The second part of the episode was recorded via Zoom last month, shortly before Bong’s latest film, Mickey 17, was released in U.S. theaters.
Bong, 55, has been captivating audiences since his debut film Barking Dogs Never Bite in 2000. He has since gained acclaim with each of his following projects, including Memories of Murder (2003), The Host (2006), Mother (2009), Snowpiercer (2013), and Okja (2017). However, it was Parasite that truly propelled him to international fame. The film, a dramedy exploring the dynamics between a poor family and a rich family in Korea, received widespread critical acclaim and achieved significant box office success both domestically ($53.85 million) and internationally ($208.75 million), with a global haul of $262.60 million.
Premiering at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, Parasite made history by winning the Palme d’Or, becoming the first Korean film to do so. It also won the best ensemble SAG Award and, on February 9, 2020, it made history again by winning the best picture Oscar, a first for a non-English-language film. Bong took home three Oscars that night for producing, directing, and writing, and also secured a fourth for best international feature. Critics hailed Parasite as the movie of the year, solidifying Bong’s status as a visionary filmmaker.
Five years later, amidst a global pandemic, Bong continues to be at the forefront of cinema discussions. Parasite was re-released in IMAX on February 7, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles will soon unveil an exhibition dedicated to him on March 23. Additionally, Bong’s latest film, Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, was released by Warner Bros. on March 7. These recent developments highlight Bong’s enduring impact on the film industry.
Overall, Bong Joon Ho’s contributions to cinema have solidified his place as a master filmmaker, and his work continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The success of Parasite and his latest projects underscore his talent and creativity, making him a celebrated figure in the film industry.
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